Maker Space Class

Quick Facts

  • Modality: In-person
  • Degree offered: Master of Arts in Teaching, M.A.T.
  • Credits: 35
  • Length of Program: 12 months
  • Application Deadline: Priority of February 15, for entry following May

Program Overview

In this program students earn a master’s degree and a teaching license that allows program graduates to teach science to students in grades 5 through 12.   

At the Iowa State University School of Education, our Science Education program is designed to produce leaders in science education, and includes: 

  • Multiple science methods courses (not just a general methods class) 
  • Multiple early field experiences under the guidance of a cooperating teacher 
  • Coursework taught by faculty who are both scholars in the field and have significant K-12 teaching experience. 

Is this the path for you?

This is an excellent program for people who want to share their passion for science by becoming a teacher. Prospective students must have undergraduate degrees and the prerequisite science courses for the relevant science endorsement or be willing to take the courses to fulfill the prerequisite science courses. Entering this program will be the most seamless for those with undergraduate degrees in science or degrees that included many science courses, such as engineering.  

Upon completion of the program, you will be able to teach science in grades 5-12 or work with school districts on mathematics.   

Curriculum:

The Science Education M.A.T. is a 12-month program, starting new student each May/Summer term.

  • Total Required Credits = 35 

SPED 5010: Teaching Secondary Students with Exceptionalities in General Education

EDUC 5060: Social Justice Education and Teaching: Advanced

EDUC 5210: Introduction to Mathematics & Science Teaching and Learning (with 12 hours of field experience)

EDUC 5800: Studies in the Foundations of Education in the United States

EDUC 5950: Teaching Disciplinary Literacy

EDUC 5050: Using Technology in Learning and Teaching

EDUC 5180: A Research-Based Framework for Teaching Science

EDUC 5910D: practicum – 96 hours of supervised field experience. Two 1.5 credit registrations (one for middle school and one for high school)

EDUC 5170: Student teaching – 8 credit registrations: The placement coordinator will indicate which to register for

EDUC 5190: A Research-Based Framework for Teaching Science

Endorsement Areas 

Primary areas of endorsement: Certain undergraduate degrees from accredited institutions qualify for licensure without the need to take additional coursework. In each case, transcripts must indicate a minimum of 24 credit hours in the licensure area, or 30 credit hours of science with at least 15 of those credits in the licensure area. Select the endorsement areas below to see which majors will meet those requirements.

Acceptable Major

  • Biology

Acceptable Majors

  • Chemistry
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Biochemistry
  • Materials Science Engineering
  • Social Chemistry
  • Geochemistry
  • Water/Hydrochemistry
  • Environmental Science (not Environmental Studies)
  • Forensic Science

Acceptable Majors

  • Physics
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Construction Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Engineering Science
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

Acceptable Majors

  • Geology
  • Astronomy
  • Meteorology
  • Earth Science

Primary areas of endorsement for other majors: If your degree is in a more specialized or hybrid field, such as horticulture or animal science, we will need to review your transcripts. The State of Iowa has specific requirements for licensure, and we need to ensure your coursework is aligned with those requirements, if your major is not included on the above list. All primary areas of endorsement must have 24 credit hours in the desired content area, or 30 hours in science with 15 of those hours in that content area. When we review your transcripts, we will need to see a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, the required credit hours in science listed above, and a minimum of the following coursework: 

Essential Coursework for Licensure 

  • 2 semesters general biology with lab
  • 1 semester genetics
  • 1 semester molecular or cell biology
  • 1 semester ecology
  • 1 semester evolutionary biology
  • Additional biology-related courses (300+ level) up to or exceeding the minimum required
  • 2 semesters chemistry with lab
  • 1 semester biochemistry; plus 1 additional semester chemistry or biochemistry
  • 1 semester statistics or math

  • 2 semesters general or inorganic chemistry (for majors) plus lab
  • 2 semesters organic chemistry (for majors) plus lab
  • Additional chemistry-related courses (300+ level) up to or exceeding the minimum required
  • 2 semesters physics
  • 1 semester statistics or math

  • 2 semesters intro/classical physics plus lab
  • 1 semester modern physics plus lab
  • Additional physics-related courses (300+ level) up to or exceeding the minimum
    required, chosen from:

    • Physics
    • Relevant courses in astronomy
    • Relevant courses in engineering
  • 1 semester biology

  • 2 semesters geology plus lab
  • 1 semester meteorology
  • 2 semesters astronomy
  • Additional Earth science/space science courses (300+ level) up to or exceeding the minimum required
  • 2 semesters chemistry plus lab
  • 2 semesters physics
  • 1 semester biology
  • 1 semester statistics or math

Second areas of endorsement: In addition to your primary area of endorsement, you may also obtain additional endorsements, depending on your university science coursework. For example, many biology majors find that a second endorsement in chemistry is quite easy to obtain. In some situations, an individual’s coursework may already meet state requirements while in other cases a few additional courses will be needed. We advise earning multiple endorsements as this will afford you optimal flexibility when you begin looking for a teaching position. However, we do caution you to avoid endorsement in an area where you do not possess sufficient content understanding. Strong science content knowledge is necessary for effective teaching and children deserve teachers who are knowledgeable in their field. 

Second Areas of Endorsement in Biological Science, Chemistry, Physics or Earth Science requires a primary area of endorsement plus an additional 15 semester credits minimum in the content of the second endorsement area. These specific courses must be completed to earn second endorsements: 

Second endorsement in biology: Coursework must include –  2 semesters general biology with labs, 1 semester evolution, 1 semester genetics, and 1 semester ecology 

Second endorsement in physics: Coursework must include – 2 semesters intro/classical physics with labs, and 1 semester modern physics with lab 

Second endorsement in Earth science: Coursework must include – 2 semesters geology/Earth science with labs, 2 semesters astronomy, and 1 semester meteorology 

Second endorsement in chemistry: Coursework must include – 2 semesters general chemistry with labs, 1 semester organic chemistry, 1 semester additional chemistry course 

Second Areas of Endorsement in Basic Science 

Second endorsement in basic science requirements 

  • Primary endorsement in biology, chemistry, physics, or earth science 
  • At least 24 credits combined in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science 
  • Minimum of 2 biology courses (6 credits), 2 chemistry courses (6 credits), 2 physics courses (6 credits), and 2 earth science courses (6 credits) 

Affiliated Faculty:  

Ben Van Dusen

Associate Professor

Department: School of Education

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Mollie Appelgate

Associate Professor

Department: School of Education

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Application Information  

This program has the following application deadlines:   

  • February 15th, for entry following Summer

Complete the online graduate application. Applications require:   

  • Statement of Purpose   
  • Resume/CV   
  • Three reference who will provide letters of support   
  • Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended  

For more information, visit our Graduate Application Information and Frequently Asked Questions page.